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Page Brothers Presented Key To The City: On December 10th, 2024, during the City of Lake Ozark's Board of Aldermen meeting, Mayor Newberry presented keys to the city to two of Lake Ozark's most influential business leaders. Joe and Mike Page, surrounded by dozens of friends, family, and community members, received this honor in recognition of their nearly five-decade investment in Lake Ozark and their unwavering commitment to its growth and development. The Page brothers' journey began in 1976 when they founded the Leather Man on the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip. Joe, having moved to the lake immediately after graduating from Truman State University, established roots in the community, with Mike following as a permanent resident the following decade. Over the years, their entrepreneurial spirit led them to establish and acquire numerous businesses along the Strip. Today, they continue to own and operate several landmark establishments including Leatherman, Dogpatch, Dogpatch Arcade, and Summer USA, while their past ventures included popular spots like Disco Inferno, Grandma's Candy Kitchen, and Good Time Charlie's. As founding members of the Bagnell Dam Strip Association, both brothers have been instrumental in creating and supporting special events that have become staples of the community. Mike's contributions earned him the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's Partner in Tourism Award and the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen recognition. Joe served on the Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen from 1983 to 1985, first filling a vacancy before winning re-election. He notably became both the first and last paying customer on the Community Bridge, while Mike served on its Board of Directors for several years. "Though a small gesture compared to the impact of their decades of investment and service in our community, we are gracious to present this award to the Page Brothers with all of their supporters present tonight," Mayor Newberry stated. "While we enjoy celebrating the rich history of your impact on our community, we are even more excited to see the future of our city that was made possible by your ongoing contributions and leadership." Pictured, left to right: Ward II Alderman Johnnie Franzeskos, Ward I Alderman Pat Thompson, Ward III Alderman David Ridgely, Mayor Dennis Newberry, Joe Page, Mike Page, Ward III Alderman Carol Denny, Ward I Alderman Judy Neels, and City Administrator Harrison Fry

TEST TW WEATHER

Posted on , by dan

Stray, feral cats need some TLC, too

Despite the fickle weather we’ve come to tolerate at the Lake of the Ozarks, spring is a time of rebirth. First, it’s daffodils, then the ponds and lake come alive with spring peepers, dogwoods bloom and we’re finally sprinkled with oak pollen dust as our trees sprout their seasonal leaves.

It’s also birthing season for feral and stray cats.

Yes, there are homeless cats that roam the streets. Cats wandering around are not uncommon, especially in the area of The Strip where there is a constant source of food. They can sometimes be a pest, but most often they’re looking for food and some TLC.

Not to be alarmed. They have their place in the food chain.

According to the website Ally Cat Allies, feral, stray and pet cats are all members of the same species; they are all domestic cats. But stray cats and feral cats are also different from each other in a very important way — in their relationship to and interactions with people.

Whether you are a shelter worker, veterinarian, or feral cat advocate — or you just share your neighborhood with feral cats — knowing how to tell the difference can help inform how best to interact with a cat or what, if any, intervention would be in each cat’s best interest.

A “socialized” cat is one that is friendly towards people—or cats that enjoy companionship with us in our homes. 

Kittens becomes socialized by interacting with people—being held, spoken to, and played with—from an early age. If a kitten does not become accustomed to people holding her and petting her within this crucial window, she will grow up apprehensive of humans and will not be suited to or happy living in homes. 

What is the difference between a stray cat and a feral cat? 

Pet and stray cats are socialized to people. 

Feral cats are not socialized to people. While they are socialized to their colony members and bonded to each other, they do not have that same relationship with people. 

A stray cat is a cat that has been socialized to people at some point in her life, but has left or lost her domestic home, as well as most human contact and dependence. Over time, a stray cat can become feral as her contact with humans dwindles. 

Under the right circumstances, however, a stray cat can also become a pet cat once again. Stray cats that are re-introduced to a home after living outdoors may require a period of time to acclimate; they may be frightened and wary after spending time outside away from people. 

Again, don’t be alarmed if you see a cat or cats hanging around The Strip. They are hungry and they may want to be your friend. Ideally, cats should be neutered to help curb overpopulation. If you decide to bring a stray or feral cat into your home, or under your care, make sure you have him or her neutered. Contact any of a number of veterinarians, Dogwood Animal Shelter, Ozark Kats and K9 Shelter, Blue Moon Sanctuary or others.

To learn more about feral and stray cats, click on https://bit.ly/3twDcdH.